Advertising Disclosure

If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) gym, you’ve most definitely seen those skin-tight, often colorful shirts that grapplers wear — a rash guard. BJJ Rash guards are a necessary part of every BJJ player’s training apparel, whether they do gi or no-gi jiu-jitsu.

With that in mind, we’ve brought jiu-jitsu players this complete buyer’s guide to the best rash guards on the market, from budget options to top-of-the-line. Also, check out our recommendations for the top 10 rash guards.

Why wear a rash guard?

Rash guards protect the skin

First and foremost, the main purpose of a rash guard is in its name: it protects against rash, or more specifically, mat burn. The smooth, thin layer of material that makes up the rash guard protects grapplers from cuts and abrasions that happen when the skin rubs against the mat or inside of the gi. Taking that one step further, because rash guards protect the skin against abrasions, they also lower the likelihood of infection.

More than just no-gi apparel, rash guards can and often should be worn under a gi top. Not only will the rash guard prevent skin abrasions and therefore infection, but wearing a rash guard under the gi also limits skin-to-skin contact, which lowers the chances of ringworm and other skin conditions spreading among grapplers.

BJJ Rash guards make rolling easier

Compared to regular cotton t-shirts, rash guards make “rolling” (jiu-jitsu sparring) much easier. Whereas cotton t-shirts will stretch and become looser as the grappler sweats, the polyester/spandex blend that makes up most rash guards will stay fitting snugly throughout every training session. This avoids a common problem when rolling in a t-shirt: feet and hands get stuck in the shirt during a roll. And, as an added bonus, rash guards are less likely to hold the smell of sweat, making it much easier to avoid the dreaded funk.

Compression supports muscle recovery

Finally, rash guards may actually help your performance and recovery. A study published in Sports Medicine found that compression apparel — like rash guards — can lead to a slight improvement in muscle endurance, as well as reduced muscle pain and inflammation. If there is one thing grapplers know, it’s muscle pain and inflammation, and a quality rash guard could reduce that.

What are the IBJJF guidelines on rash guards?

The IBJJF has strict rules when it comes to rash guards. According to Rule 8.1.3, male competitors are not permitted to wear a rash guard under their gi. However, Rule 8.1.4 states that female competitors must wear a rash guard under their gi.

In no-gi competitions, the rash guard must comply with specific requirements. The IBJJF states that “both genders must wear a shirt of elastic material (skin tight) long enough to cover the torso all the way to the waistband of the shorts, colored black, white, or black and white, and with at least 10% of the rank color(belt) to which the athlete belongs. Shirts 100% the color of the athlete’s rank (belt) are also permitted.”

The qualities of a good rash guard

Type of stitching

Because the rash guard will fit tight against your skin, the type of stitching used is crucial. Poor or weak stitching will not only increase the chances that the garment rips, but will also irritate the skin.

For the best rash guard, look for one with flatlock stitching. Whereas normal stitching using a single thread to join two pieces of fabric will create overlap between fabric, flatlock stitching eliminates this overlap by creating a smooth, continuous seam that won’t rub or irritate the skin. Moreover, flatlock stitching creates a stronger seam, which will extend the life of your rash guard.

Type of fabric

Obviously, the material that makes up your rash guard is important. Most rash guards are made of a polyester blend, typically with spandex or elastane. For BJJ, look for a material that is 80-95% polyester; any more polyester than that, and your rash guard likely won’t hold its shape for very long and could be too light for everyday training. The more spandex or elastane there is in the rash guard material, the thicker and more durable the garment will be. However, be wary of a rash guard that is more than 20% spandex — this could be too heavy for jiu-jitsu rolling.

Ranked or not?

As noted above, the IBJJF has strict requirements for no-gi apparel. If you’re planning to compete in a no-gi IBJJF competition, make sure your rash guard complies with the requirements of your rank. Ranked rash guards will come in the five colors of the belts — white, blue, purple, brown, and black — and will clearly state that they are approved for IBJJF competition.

Because they don’t have to comply with IBJJF requirements, un-ranked rash guards are often more unique in design, allowing you to show more of your personality and taste.

Sublimated graphics

The vast majority of rash guards on the market have sublimated graphics. This means that, rather than graphics that are ironed or sewn onto the garment, the graphics are a part of the material. This is crucial for BJJ practitioners because graphics that are not sublimated will quickly peel away from the fabric and fade after just a few hard rolling sessions.

In short, if you find a rash guard that does not have sublimated graphics, look elsewhere.

Elastic waistband

One feature of a quality rash guard that most people don’t consider is an elastic (or rubber) waistband. This is a crucial feature for jiu-jitsu practitioners because, without a waistband that fits tightly, the rash guard will ride up during a roll. Many rash guards that are not made specifically for BJJ won’t have an elastic waistband.

Some of the top rash guards also have elastic around the sleeves, which prevents the sleeves from riding up during a roll.

Our Top 10 BJJ Rash Guards for 2024

Taking into account all relevant factors, including price, design, and dependability of the brand, we came up with our top 10 BJJ rash guards on the market right now. The options below should fit any budget or taste.

First, check out the differences between our picks for editor’s choice, best designed, most comfortable, and best value.

Product	Material	Stitching	Design	IBJJF ranked?
Editor’s choice: Hayabusa Geo	84% polyester, 16% spandex	Flatlock	Modern, geometric design	No
Best designed: X-Martial rash guards	80% polyester, 20% spandex	High-density flatlock	Dozens of unique and innovative designs	No
Most comfortable: Revgear Bionic Compression Shirt	UltraDry	4×4 nylon flat stitch	Simple, available in three colors	No
Best value: Fuji Standard Jiu Jitsu Rashguard	100% nylon	Unknown	Minimalistic	Yes

1. Editor’s choice – Hayabusa Geo

The Hayabusa Geo is the Cadillac of rash guards. Available in both short and long-sleeve options, the 84% polyester and 16% At 87% polyester and 16% spandex blend is designed with both durability and breathability in mind. As light as the garment feels, the silicone waistband ensures that it won’t ride up. And because that waistband is sewn into the hem, it won’t irritate your skin. Hayabusa is one of the most trusted brands in combat sports equipment, and with its simple and sleek design, we love everything about this rash guard.

What we liked:

• Trusted Hayabusa brand
• Silicone waistband that won’t irritate skin
• Great design

What we didn’t like:

• Not ranked for IBJJF competition
• One of the pricier rash guards

2. Best designed – X-Martial rash guards

When it comes to unique design options, no other brand comes close to X-Martial. With everything from simple and straightforward, to eye-catching and colorful, to downright comical, the company churns out new designs seemingly every day. If you’re looking for a rash guard that will certainly turn heads at the gym, X-Martial is your best option. We’ve personally tried these rash guards out, and in terms of quality of construction, we were pleased to see that X-Martial rash guards are about more than just the design. With high-density flatlock stitching, a relatively heavy material, and a rubber waistband, the garment is made to last.

What we liked:

• An absurd amount of design options
• Range of prices
• Rubber waistband
• High-density flatlock stitching

What we didn’t like:

• Not ranked for IBJJF competition
• Material could be too heavy in hot climates

3. Most comfortable – Revgear Bionic Compression Shirt

For the best fitting, most breathable, and overall most comfortable rash guard on the market, we love Revgear’s Bionic Compression Shirt. Available in three color options and both long and short sleeves, we tried this rash guard out for ourselves in the heat of summer and were blown away by the breathability — thanks in large part to the ventilated side panel. What’s more, the material is designed to wick away moisture, so it won’t become heavy with sweat after a few rounds. Simply put, this rash guard is so light and comfortable it feels like an extra skin. And even though it’s super lightweight, the thick stitching means this one will last for plenty of training sessions.

What we liked:

• Extremely lightweight and comfortable
• Side panel ensures maximum ventilation
• Excellent price

What we didn’t like:

• Limited design options
• Graphics are not sublimated

4. Best Value – Fuji Standard Jiu Jitsu Rashguard

For a high-quality rash guard from a trusted BJJ brand, all for under $40, we love the Fuji Standard Jiu Jitsu Rashguard. Made with 100% nylon, this garment is heavy-duty and won’t make a big dent in your wallet. And while the design is very simple, the rash guard complies with the IBJJF ranking requirements. We’d recommend this rash guard to anyone starting their jiu-jitsu journey and looking for a dependable garment at a relatively low price.

What we liked:

• Ranked for IBJJF competition
• Fully sublimated graphics
• Low price from a respected brand

What we didn’t like:

• Overly simple design
• Nylon material could be too hot

5. Progress Jiu Jitsu Academy Rashguard

What we liked:

• Simple yet elegant design
• From a top BJJ brand
• 80% polyester/ 20% spandex blend for durability

What we didn’t like:

• Only available in two colors
• White rash guard might be see-through when wet

6. Hayabusa Fusion Rash Guard

What we liked:

• Available in four colors
• Polyester/elastane material is reliable and durable
• Inner silicone band on waist to prevent riding up

What we didn’t like:

• Not ranked for IBJJF competition
• Runs small, some reviewers complain it is too tight

7. Gold BJJ Foundation Rash Guard

What we liked:

• Simple, timeless design
• Complies with IBJJF ranking requirements
• Flatlock stitching
• Mesh underarms to keep you cool

What we didn’t like:

• Some reviewers complain it is too tight around the neck
• Runs small and very tight

8. Tatami Gentle Panda

What we liked:

• One of the oldest brands in BJJ
• Unique artwork
• Thick material ensures durability

What we didn’t like:

• High price tag
• Not ranked for IBJJF competition

9. Sanabul Essentials Long Sleeve Rash Guard

What we liked:

• Low price tag
• Complies with IBJJ ranking requirements
• Underarm mesh panel

What we didn’t like:

• Materials and stitching are less durable than higher-end rash guards

10. Elite Sports Rash Guard

What we liked:

• Extremely low price
• Ranked for IBJJF competition
• Flatlock stitching

What we didn’t like:

• Runs small, reviewers complain it is too tight
• Low-quality threading and durability
• Graphics are sublimated but will crack after several uses